Could Kamala Harris’ India connection boost chances in US presidential race?

Joe Biden’s decision to exit the US presidential election and endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris to be his successor underscores a pivotal moment for Indian-American political clout and will pose a significant challenge to Donald Trump’s campaign, analysts say.

Biden, 81, withdrew on Sunday as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the November presidential election amid increasing pressure from party members following his disastrous showing in a televised debate three weeks ago that deepened concerns about his age and health.

Harris, 59, is the first female vice-president in US history and the daughter of immigrants. Her Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father were both academics and activists.

It is uncertain if Harris will become her party’s nominee despite Biden’s endorsement, but she is widely considered the front runner to be selected for the role at the Democratic National Convention, which is set for August 19-22.

Asian-Americans have traditionally rallied around the Democratic Party, but various polls have shown that their levels of support have been thinning under Biden’s leadership.

The results of the 2024 Asian American Voters Survey released earlier this month showed 46 per cent of Asian-American voters would vote for Biden – down from 54 per cent in 2020 – while only 31 per cent picked Trump, NBC News reported on July 10.

Observers believe Harris’ nomination could reverse that trend.

“Definitely, the Indian-American community will rally around her [Harris]. It’s good that President Biden has stepped aside for her to step up with about a month to go before the next Democrats’ convention,” said Robert B. Lancia, a former Rhode Island State legislator who has worked closely with the Indian community.

Harris’